Fiber optic loop support
OwnerJoseph C. Harrison, Andrew T. Piatekinventors
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Abstract
A testing device for fiber optic system devices includes a fiber optic loop support that holds a single-mode optical fiber such that an empirically determined loss characteristic associated therewith is unvarying from use to use. In particular, an optical fiber forms a loop, and the loop is supported within a rigid slotted housing. The housing effectively precludes bending losses. Additionally, the housing is small and portable so that field testing may also be performed.
Claims20
A testing device for use with a device, said testing device comprising:
- a connector;
- an optical fiber comprising two ends, said both ends operatively secured to said connector;
- and
- a rigid support for holding said fiber such that losses induced in said fiber are substantially nonvarying from use -to use of the testing device.
A fiber optic loop support comprising:
- a rigid housing;
- a connector receptacle positioned on said housing and adapted to receive a single optical connector attached to both ends of an optical fiber;
- and
- said housing comprising a surface adapted to receive an optical fiber positioned thereon such that losses induced in said fiber are substantially nonvarying between uses of said fiber.
A method of testing a fiber optic system device, comprising:
- inserting a connector attached to a fiber optic loop support containing a loop of optical fiber into the fiber optic system device, wherein the connector is operatively connected to both ends of said loop;
- and
- maintaining the loop substantially free of later introduced bends such that the loss characteristic of the loop is substantially constant.
A method of manufacturing a fiber optic testing device, comprising:
- attaching both ends of an optical fiber to a connector;
- inserting the fiber into a loop support such that the fiber has a relatively constant loss characteristic;
- and
- securing the connector to the loop support.
A fiber optic loop support comprising:
- a rigid housing;
- means to receive a single connector attached to both ends of an optical fiber, said receiving means positioned on said rigid housing;
- and
- means to hold said optical fiber such that losses induced in the fiber are substantially nonvarying, said holding means integrated with said rigid housing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.